What must trained staff do in case of an overdose situation?

In the case of an overdose situation, administering emergency medication is a crucial step that trained staff must be equipped to handle effectively. Immediate action is vital to mitigate the potentially life-threatening effects of an overdose. Emergency medications, such as naloxone for opioid overdoses, can reverse the effects of the substance involved and are often critical for preserving the individual's life until professional medical help can arrive.

The decision to administer emergency medication should be guided by established protocols and the specific training that staff have received. This ensures that staff are acting within their scope of practice and responding in a manner that prioritizes the health and safety of the individual experiencing the overdose. Prompt intervention can significantly improve outcomes in overdose cases, making it essential for trained staff to be empowered to act decisively in such emergency scenarios.

In contrast, calling emergency services is also an important step but usually follows the immediate administration of medication, as waiting without intervention or simply monitoring the individual does not adequately address the urgent nature of an overdose situation.